Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is famous for its serene backwaters, lush hill stations, and pristine beaches. While destinations like Munnar, Alleppey, and Kovalam attract most travellers, there is another side of Kerala that remains largely unexplored. Hidden villages, untouched waterfalls, quiet hill trails, and less commercialised coastal stretches offer a more authentic and peaceful travel experience.
For those planningKerala tour packages, adding these hidden gems can transform a standard holiday into a truly memorable journey. These lesser-known locations not only provide scenic beauty but also allow visitors to experience local culture, traditions, and nature in its purest form. Unlike crowded tourist hotspots, these places offer tranquillity and a deeper connection with Kerala’s natural landscape.
In this guide, we explore some of the most beautiful hidden places you can include in Kerala trip packages for a unique and refreshing travel experience.
Meesapulimala: The Hidden Trekking Paradise
Located near Munnar, Meesapulimala is one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats. Unlike the crowded viewpoints of Munnar, this destination offers a peaceful trekking experience through misty hills, grasslands, and shola forests.
Key highlights:
Moderate trekking routes for adventure lovers
Panoramic views of valleys and tea estates
Rich biodiversity and rare flora
Ideal for camping and nature photography
This is perfect for travellers looking to add adventure to their Kerala tour packages.
Kumbalangi: Kerala’s First Model Tourism Village
Kumbalangi, near Kochi, is a peaceful fishing village that showcases authentic Kerala coastal life. It is often overlooked by mainstream tourists.
What makes it special:
Traditional Chinese fishing nets
Canoe rides through narrow canals
Local seafood experiences
Sustainable village tourism model
Visitors get a real glimpse into rural Kerala life, making it a cultural highlight in any itinerary.
Marottichal Waterfalls: The Silent Beauty
Located near Thrissur, Marottichal Waterfalls is a hidden gem surrounded by dense forests and calm surroundings.
Why visit:
Two beautiful waterfall sections
Natural bathing pools
Peaceful forest atmosphere
Less crowded compared to popular waterfalls
These Kerala tourism packages are ideal for travellers seeking relaxation and nature immersion.
Gavi: The Untouched Eco-Tourism Forest
Gavi, located in Pathanamthitta district, is one of Kerala’s most pristine eco-tourism destinations. It remains relatively untouched by commercial tourism.
Top experiences:
Wildlife spotting, including elephants and deer
Boat rides on Gavi Lake
Dense forest trekking
Eco-friendly accommodation options
Gavi is perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Silent Valley National Park: A Biodiversity Hotspot
Silent Valley is one of the most ecologically significant rainforests in India. It is located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Key attractions:
Rare and endangered wildlife species
Dense tropical evergreen forests
Guided trekking routes
UNESCO-recognised ecological importance
This destination adds a strong ecological dimension to Kerala travel packages.
Ponmudi: The Lesser-Known Hill Station
Ponmudi is a quiet hill station near Thiruvananthapuram, often overshadowed by Munnar and Wayanad.
It offers a peaceful alternative to Kerala’s more commercial hill stations.
Kakkathuruthu Island: The Hidden Backwater Gem
Kakkathuruthu, also known as “Island of Crows,” is a small island in the Alappuzha backwaters.
Why it stands out:
Unique sunset views over backwaters
Traditional village lifestyle
Canoe rides through narrow canals
Recognised by international travel publications
This is one of Kerala’s most photogenic hidden destinations.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary: Offbeat Jungle Escape
Located in Kannur, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a lesser-known forest reserve with rich biodiversity.
What you can experience:
Trekking through dense forests
Spotting wildlife like elephants and gaurs
Seasonal butterfly migrations
Guided eco-tours
It is ideal for offbeat wildlife tourism.
Vypin Island: A Quiet Coastal Escape
Vypin Island near Kochi offers a calm and less commercialised beach experience.
Key attractions:
Long sandy beaches with fewer crowds
Fishing villages and local life
Lighthouse views at Cherai Beach nearby
Sunset photography spots
Perfect for those seeking coastal relaxation without tourist rush.
Nelliampathy: The Forgotten Hill Range
Nelliampathy in Palakkad is a scenic hill station surrounded by tea and coffee plantations.
Why include it:
Dense forests and wildlife
Tea and coffee estate views
Hairpin bends with scenic drives
Cool climate throughout the year
It remains one of Kerala’s most underrated destinations.
Conclusion
Kerala is far more than its famous tourist hotspots. Its hidden villages, untouched forests, quiet islands, and lesser-known hill stations offer a deeper and more authentic travel experience. Including these destinations in Kerala tour packages allows travellers to explore the state beyond the usual itinerary, creating memories that are peaceful, personal, and unique.
For those looking to design a customised Kerala journey that blends popular attractions with hidden gems, expert planning makes all the difference. You can explore our well-curated travel options and personalised itineraries atKerala tour packages.
About the author: Anish Kumar P.K
Anish Kumar P.K is the Founder & CEO of The Travel Planners, an award-winning Kerala destination management company specializing in personalized Kerala and South India holidays. With over 26 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, Anish has helped thousands of international and domestic travellers experience Kerala through carefully curated private tours, luxury holidays, Ayurveda retreats, family vacations, honeymoon packages, and cultural journeys.
Since establishing The Travel Planners in 1999, Anish has built one of Kerala’s most trusted travel brands by combining local expertise, personalized service, and authentic travel experiences. The company operates with its own fleet of premium tourist vehicles, including Innova Crysta, Tempo Travellers, and luxury Urbania mini coaches, and also owns boutique hospitality properties including The Ayur Villa in Kovalam and The Villa Romantica near Cochin International Airport, ensuring quality service from arrival to departure.
Kerala Tourism Leader & Industry Expert
Beyond running The Travel Planners, Anish has played an active role in shaping Kerala’s tourism industry.
His leadership roles include:
President, Association of Tourism Trade Organisations, India (ATTOI).
Former Secretary, Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM).
Member, Kerala State Tourism Advisory Board.
Member, Board of Directors, Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS).
He has been actively involved in tourism policy discussions, destination marketing initiatives, and promoting Kerala as a world-class travel destination through industry collaborations and international tourism events.
National & Kerala Tourism Award Winner
Anish is a recipient of prestigious National Tourism and Kerala State Tourism Awards for excellence in tourism and innovation. His contributions have been recognized for promoting Kerala tourism through quality travel experiences, technology adoption, and destination marketing.
Speaker, Mentor & Podcast Host
Anish is a frequent guest speaker at leading tourism and management institutions, including IIM and KITTS, where he shares practical insights on tourism entrepreneurship, destination marketing, digital tourism, and the future of travel.
He also hosts The Kerala Conversations Podcast, where he explores Kerala’s tourism stories, hidden destinations, hospitality trends, culture, Ayurveda, wellness, and conversations with tourism leaders and travel experts.Through his travel guides, destination articles, and curated itineraries, Anish shares trusted advice on Kerala Tour Packages, Kerala Holiday Packages, Honeymoon Tours, Luxury Kerala Travel, Family Holidays, Ayurveda & Yoga Retreats, Sabarimala Pilgrimage Tours, and South India travel experiences.
